YORK COUNTY, SC - On Thursday, July 4, 2013, an estimated 125,000 people will attend fireworks displays in the areas of Lake Wylie near the Buster Boyd Bridge, and Carowinds theme park along Carowinds Boulevard near Fort Mill.

Depending upon the event, citizens should expect traffic delays of two hours, or longer, once an event has ended. Drivers should NOT call 911 to report, or complain, about traffic congestion.

Motorists will encounter delays in the following areas:

• Buster Boyd Bridge at the NC/SC Border
o Event attendees WILL NOT be permitted to park on the bridge to observe fireworks displays.
o There will be no parking on NC and SC Hwy. 49 roadway
o For motorists returning to Charlotte, suggested routes are NC 49 to NC 160, or Westinghouse Boulevard.

• Fort Mill Area/I-77 (Exit 90) o NC and SCDOT will utilize overhead and portable message signs to advise motorists of traveling conditions:
o Motorists may encounter delays at the Plaza Fiesta shopping center across from Carowinds theme park.
o After fireworks displays at the theme park, motorists will be directed to specific lanes of travel on Avenue of the Carolinas.
o The left two lanes will turn onto Carowinds Blvd. toward I-77 with access to North or South I-77 travel. The far right lane will be forced to turn right on Carowinds Boulevard (S.R. 1441) to N.C. 49 north to Westinghouse Boulevard.
o No U-turns will be permitted on Carowinds Boulevard.
o Emergency lanes on I-77 are for emergencies only. No cars will be allowed to stop on the interstate emergency lanes to view fireworks

Public safety planning for this event began months ago and officers from many jurisdictions will be out in force. Sheriff Bruce Bryant would like to remind citizens of York County to have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day.